She's An Eagle When She Flies

So much of who I am and hope to be is thanks to my beautiful Mom.

Today is her 61st birthday (wait, was that supposed to be a secret?). When I think of Mom, of everything I love about her, it's best summed up by the lyrics of Dolly Parton's Eagle When She Flies. Dolly most have known my mama or someone just as dear.

The lyrics:

She's been there, God knows, she's been there
She has seen and done it all
She's a woman, she know how to
Dish it out or take it all
Her heart's as soft as feathers
Still she weathers stormy skies
And she's a sparrow when she's broken
But she's an eagle when she flies

A kaleidoscope of colors
You can toss her around and round
You can keep her in you vision
But you'll never keep her down
She's a lover, she's a mother
She's a friend and she's a wife
And she's a sparrow when she's broken
But she's an eagle when she flies

Gentle as the sweet magnolia
Strong as steel, her faith and pride
She's an everlasting shoulder
She's the leaning post of life
She hurts deep and when she weeps
She's just as fragile as a child
And she's a sparrow when she's broken
But she's an eagle when she flies

She's a sparrow when she's broken
But she's an eagle when she flies
Oh, bless her, Lord
She's an eagle when she flies
Happy Birthday, Mama!

Mom and I at our Lifetime taping... adding to the memories.